It all started about 1958 when there was a group of guys that wanted to start a dance band and get gig's at college parties, etc... I am not totally familiar with that group of guys. It was kind of started by a guy named Jimmy Trease I believe. It was really originally the Shadow Lake Seven, if I have my history correct. They got a gig in Noel, MO at the dance pavilion (BYOB) along the shores of Shadow Lake, right on the very banks. They needed a name, and that sounded good.

My name is Kent Washburn and I was the leader of the group from 1962 until they disbanded in 1967. As you can tell I really don't have a lot of information on this very, very beginning. I will pick it up around 1959 when it became "The Shadow Lake Eight Orchestra" and was one of the hottest, most sought after groups in the area.